26 AVENUES WINTER 2019 DEPARTMENT CAREER PROFILE Partner with us for your fast track to success! Contact us today at www.mediaedge.ca or Robert Thompson 647-494-4229 Our winning products and services include: • Buyers Guides • E-Newsletters • Custom Content Marketing • Magazines • Directories • Show Guides • Website Ad Sales • Video • Sponsorship Sales • Social Media • Blogs • E-Books & White Pages • Events • Supplements • Profiles Ready, Set... can work on what I’d planned – report writing, research, contacting clients. More frequently, however, a phone call, last- minute meeting or some urgent matter takes me in a different direction. Given my background, the role I play in most projects is supplying geoscience knowledge. This is critical in that many of our projects involve a multi-disciplinary team approach. Q: How did you get interested in this work? My interest in geology and the earth sciences started in high school as a result of an inspirational geography teacher and this, in turn, led me to major in geology in university. While at school, I was fortu- nate to have a number of summer jobs on geology field crews in various parts of the province. The nature of the work, camara- derie of field crews, and the opportunity to learn how to piece together observations to discern what’s below the surface cemented my choice of profession. As my interest was sparked in school, I take every opportunity to speak on earth sciences to junior and senior grades at schools. If a fraction of the kids translate the enthusiasm they show for rocks in class into a career, we’re assured of a multitude of future geologists. Q: What sort of education do you have that is relevant to your job? I completed a Bachelor of Science in geology at Brock University and a Master of Science at the University of Waterloo where I specialized in Quaternary studies as I had an interest in glacial history. My education led to a series of jobs involving surficial mapping and the development of conceptual geologic models. On-the-job learning was also a great teacher as I became involved with aggregate resource evaluations, terrain assessments and aquifer mapping. The combination of “book and street” learning has given me a broad background that’s useful on a wide range of projects. Q: Where do you see the industry going in the next few years? I can’t help but think of the saying “May you live in interesting times.” Unfortunately, I can’t see any lessening of the regulatory and development hurdles that the industry faces. There will be a continued need to make the case for the economic and societal value of aggregates. I have no doubt, however, that the industry will adapt to any and all pres- sures, including those related to the envi- ronment. As close-to-market supplies are depleted, a discussion will arise in coming years on how aggregate is shipped to major markets in the province. Q: What advice would you give to others looking for a career in the aggregate industry? Follow your interests. The opportunities and range of positions within or associated with the aggregate industry are so broad that that there’s a niche for just about everyone. Start by obtaining the training, and if possible some experience, in a professional or tech- nical field that you wish to work in. Then it’s a matter of persistence in finding a job with an OSSGA active or associate member. • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24